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I mention in the doc that the Setback does have some volume drop as stock FX-90. So, I suggested changing two resistors for more output. Turns out increasing R4 ends up hitting the front end of the compander a little too hard, IMO, and produced a bit of flub. So, instead I've R4 back to 150k and increased R48 from the suggested 27k up to 47k.

While I was at it, I decided to compare regular electrolytic with the two suggested tantalum caps in the Shopping List. I ended up not really hearing a difference so I changed the Shopping List to recommend either type (this is for the two 0.47uF caps).

The pdf, schematic and all associated files have been update on the Projects Page.

Out now:
Chaos Agent: A fresh take on the venerable Fuzz Factory
Setback: DOD FX-90 as you've never seen it.
Fireaxe: Boss FA-1 boost/OD hybrid

The Fireaxe is included with all orders $10 and up automatically (ex. shipping). You do not need to do anything extra to get it. Also, anyone who placed and order yesterday (15th) will be getting the Fireaxe since I was late with the release.

I'm finally spending the proper time to work up the new online store and bring mbp into the mid-2010's. While I'm developing I'd like to get some opinions and suggestions on features you would like to see. After this upcoming projects release in a few days I'll be working on this full-time with the hopes of launching either end of May or early June.

Things that are already happening:
- "Modern" store with proper user account, checkout, order history, etc. For example, if you've visited Aion, PedalPCB, THCustom, etc all that type of usability and functionality will be included in the new mbp store. IOW, like almost every other e-commerce site has done except me.
- Updating older project docs into the current format.
- Getting some better and format consistent pics of items in the store.
- Adding some new categories like parts/components (this is more long term).
- Proper notifications of rec'd orders (something that has been critically lacking with the current setup).
- More personalized emails for shipping notification, etc.

Things that could be added:
- I could expand beyond accepting Paypal into regular CC payments, if that's something people want.
- There could be some social media type integration like customer profiles, etc. for anyone who might enjoy that.
- (Infrequent) newsletters to announce releases or milestones via email, etc.


Mostly I'm after things I haven't thought of. I want to keep the overall feel very easy to navigate without some of the overwhelming info dumps you get on a lot of WordPress based websites. I think PedalPCB is the perfect example of ease of navigation, although I definitely will go a bit further with content.

The boards which were going to be later arrived slightly sooner so I've added all the restocked items back to the store. The new releases are still scheduled for the 15th but if I can get them done sooner I will!

After a long absence the 9mmBB (little Breadbuddy boards for prototyping) are back in stock.

The next release has been changed to the 15th. The boards are going to take longer to get here than expected but I believe I'll be able to have them ready on that day. This is a small release but does include a new giveaway (The Fireaxe).

My recent used POG2 had some issues. The bypass switch sounded like a cannon and was on the verge of failure. The PCB mount DC jack did not line up with the enclosure hole (it was getting pushed out of place so the DC plug was at about a 20 deg angle plugged in).

Replaced the switch with a Gorva and also the wiring between the two boards. Put in a 2-pin header for the preset switch. Ditched the jack for a non-mounted one. It was a rather dicey repair to get that old jack out and I got close to losing the pads. Anyway, my Poggy is pogging again!

One of the most engrossing youTube videos I've seen in quite a while. The process, editing, all spot on. His varying use of simple chemistry is quite amazing.

[youtube width=640]y8HEZ-x4-_w[/youtube]

I have one in mind that I already designed and verified last year, but I wouldn't mind hearing suggestions to generate ideas I might not consider otherwise!

Caveat:
It needs to fit in a 1590A or B.
Not too complicated - no analog delays or choruses, etc. It needs to be something straightforward and easy to build with no esoteric parts.

I'd like to do the next Giveaway in March or April so if we start now there's plenty of time.

I've got a Princeton RI that has recently developed a resonant buzz. It's really prominent on certain notes (fretted A on the G string and fretted C on the A string). What do you think could be the source of such a thing? Speaker? Or maybe some other mechanical fault like a loose tube socket? It just started recently and it's rather annoying. I plan to investigate but was hoping someone might have insight based on experience.

I am probably going to have to suspend UK shipments for a bit. Apparently Brexit has given us a gift of US Retailers being required to collect VAT on goods shipped to the UK to be remitted quarterly. And it must be done no matter how small the value of goods. So, even if Mr. Nellwyn Huxleye of Bletchley and Fenny Stratford buys a $1 board from me, I have to collect VAT on that. I don't know if I can even do this (at least not without inadvertently collecting VAT for all international orders which isn't going to work.) And on top of that, if I don't do it and ship anyway then the packages may not get delivered at all.

This is going to be quite a hassle to figure out.

3PDT#2, Imp_v2, RoadRage, Softie1&2, WeenerWah are back in stock. Also, the Softie3 is now available. This is the same Softie circuit but in a lower profile format that will fit the 125B and 1590B or BB. The idea was to do one in the same footprint/style as the VFE switching board. I have not updated the doc yet to include it but I will do so today.

Lastly, the Violenzz was supposed to be available for purchase but there was a problem with the panels I got from the manufacturer. So, I'm not sure of when I will have those. Hopefully soon.

Next new project release will be in March.

Rec'd a question regarding some of the B2 drill templates in projects which led to me finding a discrepancy with Hammond (or maybe I made the mistake, not sure).

There are several projects that have "B2" drill templates. These include several of the OD's and Distortion projects released last year as well as the Kraken. The B2 is supposed to be a 1590B with a 125B height. However, either the specs or designation has changed on these enclosures. On Mouser, the B2 is listed as having 1.3" height and the Hammond 1590BS is listed with 1.5" height. However, I have on hand enclosures that are labeled B2 but with BS specs.

So, these build docs need to be updated from "B2" to "BS" which I will do today. Sorry if this caused confusion. I'm confused by it too

B2: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/546-1590B2/
BS: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/546-1590BS/

My mislabeled ones:

New acoustic baritone day. I've wanted a bari acoustic for a long time and found a pretty good deal on this used Alvarez. It's got an LR Baggs pickup system in it, too.

Out of the box, the setup was okay but the strings were grody. I put on the new strings but then the setup went pretty out of whack (they are a heavier gauge it seems). So, I've been working on that for a couple of days. Filed the nut slots a bit, took out a lot of relief in a few passes over several hours. String action is sitting at 8/64th to 6/64th B to B which is still too high, so I think the saddle will need to be lowered. But, with each adjustment the playability and even tone is improving. Overall a decent deal for the money spent. And, it is very fun to play. Old familiars sound new and interesting when you are tuned down a 4th!

Long term I may end up finding a lighter gauge string for it. I could see over a few years the bridge possibly lifting due to the enormous string tension. Maybe a humidifier for it would help - I've never used or had one.

PS - scale length is a bit over 27" which is actually shorter than my bari electric. Not a hard adjustment to make with playing.

The Bass Series has launched and is now available in the Store.
BoomBoom - Brassmaster
Junk Trunk - Chunk System Agent 00Funk
Gas Tank - Chunk Systems Brown Dog
Edgelord - Ibanez SB-7
Also, the "2020" version of the Rangemaster is out. That completes all the updates for the 1590A project which I started at the beginning of last year.

- I'll have a youTube demo available in a couple of days. You can find good demos of the original units there as well.

Today is the final chance to submit your entry for the 2020 BOTY contest. Please get your final entries in while there is still time! Also, be sure you follow the submission guidelines. If your entry is incomplete, it will unfortunately have to be disqualified from consideration.

https://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?board=101.0

Just found out that SF legend Ben Bova died Nov. 29th and that COVID played a part. He was never a giant like Asimov or Clarke, but I've read most of the Grand Tour series and enjoyed them. Actually, I had quite a collection of paperbacks at one point. His later novels diminished in quality but there is a lot in that GT series that really stands out as fun, hard sci-fi. He still has one more Grand Tour book coming out in 2021.

A member has found an error in the Glasshole PCB. It requires a pretty easy fix, fortunately. I have updated the pdf and zip file for the Glasshole with details on the error and how to fix it (needs a short lead soldered in).
https://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/_folders/FilterMod/pdf/Glasshole.pdf

Apologies for the error and any frustration this may have caused. I will get this corrected on the board when I order the next batch.

The new projects are here. New fuzz giveaway, too!
Demo coming tomorrow (video is shot but I need more time to edit).